Antique Joseph Sankey & Sons Solid Brass Jug – JS&S Made England Brass Pitcher

Antique Joseph Sankey & Sons Solid Brass Jug / Pitcher – c.1900–1930

21 cm tall

12 cm round at base

A wonderfully atmospheric antique solid brass jug by Joseph Sankey & Sons, stamped to the base “Made in England / J.S&S / Solid Brass.” The piece has a tall tapering body, flared shaped pouring lip and applied loop handle, giving it a lovely Arts & Crafts / early 20th-century utility shape.

The brass has developed a rich, darkened aged patina with surface marks, tarnish, small knocks and signs of honest use. Rather than being highly polished, it retains that beautifully timeworn country house / farmhouse look, making it ideal as a decorative pitcher, dried flower vase, hearth-side accent or kitchenalia display piece. Could easily be polished personally I love the aged patina look !!

Maker history

J.S&S is the mark of Joseph Sankey & Sons, one of the best-known metalware manufacturers of Bilston, near Wolverhampton, in the Black Country. Joseph Sankey began in the metal trades in the mid-19th century, originally connected with japanned and tray blanks, with the firm developing into a major producer of domestic metalware and stamped metal goods. Black Country History records Joseph Sankey’s partnership with Samuel Jackson from 1854, with the company later expanding at its Albert Street site and becoming a significant local manufacturer.

Sankey’s became particularly associated with copper and brass art metalware from around the late Victorian and Edwardian period into the early 20th century. Old Copper notes the JS&S / JS&SB marks for Joseph Sankey & Son of Bilston/Wolverhampton, with copper and brassware production generally associated with the period c.1890–1932. Their art metalware range included jugs, pitchers, tankards, trays, tea caddies, chambersticks, planters, watering cans and other decorative household pieces.

Condition

Good antique decorative condition with heavy natural patina, tarnish, age-related marks, spotting, small dents and surface wear throughout. The jug has not been over-cleaned, which preserves its character beautifully. Please see photographs as they form part of the description.